This publication was designed by Ms. Tiffany Taylor, UB Social Work student, and printed by the National Council on Ageing.

July 2009

The National Council on Ageing Unit 17, Garden Plaza Mountain View Boulevard P.O. Box 372 City

Telephone: + 501-822-1546 Fax/ Message: + 501-822-3978 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ncabz.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS The National Council on Ageing continually seeks to raise awareness of the important role of older people in .

Forward ...…………………………………………………3 Through the collaboration with Ms. Tiffany Taylor, History of Belmopan ..……………….….….……………..4 , Associates Degree, Social Work Mr. .Justo Castillo …..……………………...….………….6 student, the NCA was able to highlight the contribution of just some of the older people who played a part in laying the Mrs. Gwendolyn Zetina ……………………………………8 foundations of Belmopan. Mrs. Patricia Robinson …………………………………10 Mrs. Leonie Cain …..…………………………………….11 The people in this booklet, along with so many others too Ms. Juanita Ireland ………… ………………………… 12 numerous to mention, are truly all ‘Pioneers of Belmopan’. Mr. Orlando Orio .……………………….………..……...13 The National Council on Ageing congratulates Tiffany for Mrs. Justa Arzu .….……………………………………. 14 the production of this booklet and for successfully Mr. Edred and Mrs. Alma Dakers …..…....…….…...……15 completing her Social Work Degree. Mrs. Catharine Gill ..……………………………………..17 Thank You .……………………………………………....19 Acknowledgement . . ……………………………………..20

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pecial thanks to all the people S who agreed to be interviewed FORWARD and share their memories with me, without them this booklet wouldn’t have been possible. MAIN HEADING The foundation of our country was built on the production and ambitions of our ancestors and present generation should Thanks to the Belize Archives preserve and admire the fruits of their labors, and therefore Department for providing me with keep their stories alive and fresh in the minds of our youths. v a l u a b l e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t Belmopan As tomorrow comes and our loved ones move on to a better place, their memories, stories and history will disappear with Thanks to all my friends. Roxanne, Michelle, Cynthia, Shari and them. If this memorable information is not documented it Janine who supported me throughout this project and to all my will remains just memories of the people, therefore it is best family members. Thanks for all the support and for being patient for us to keep our love ones memories alive. with me.

This booklet aims to highlight the lives of some pioneers Thanks to all the lecturers in the social work department at the who have been witness to the growth and development of University of Belize. Mrs. Starla Acosta, Mrs. Monica Martinez, Belmopan City from its conception to the present day. Ms. Pamela Killen and Mr. Gabriel Carrillo. Thanks for giving me guidance.

These Pioneers were the early settlers who migrated to A heartfelt thank you to the staff of the National Council on Belmopan mainly because many Government offices were Ageing. Ms. Lindy and Ix-Chel, without you this would have being relocated with the establishment of the new capital. been impossible. Thanks for the guidance, moral support and all that you have contributed to my internship. These residents made some huge sacrifices to leave their homes but today they are all grateful and happy that they made the decision to move to Belmopan.

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Mr. Dakers went on to say that there was not much entertainment in the earlier years of Belmopan, but recalls party night in HISTORY OF BELMOPAN Belmopan was on Thursday nights whereby all the men would hang out at Charlie’s Bar or Hilltop Club.

In 1961, after destroyed approximately 75% of Mr. and Mrs Dakers have both been active members of the the houses and business in , the government at the Belmopan community. Mr. Dakers is a member of the Lions time promoted the idea of building a new capital. This new Club, having held the position of 1st Vice President in previous capital should be located in a better terrain, would entail no costly years. He is also a supportive member of Audubon Society, Red reclaim of land and would provide for an industrial area. Cross, Salvation Army, Cancer Society, Scouts and his church. In 1962 a committee chose a site located 51 miles west of Belize Mrs. Dakers is also a member of the Lion’s Club, as well as City and 50 miles inland from the Sea, with an HelpAge Belmopan, Rotary Club and her church. impressive 250 ft elevation above sea level, a place we now call

Belmopan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dakers are happy that they made the move to Belmopan. Although it was difficult in the beginning because The land was purchased from Henry Melhado, with a grant from there was such a lack of resources and everything needed to be the Baron Bliss Trust. A ground breaking ceremony was held on brought from Belize City, including food supplies, they realize 9th October, 1965 by, the then Secretary of State in the British that they made the right decision. Mr. and Mrs. Dakers have Government, the Right Honorable Anthony Greenwood. always enjoyed dancing, socializing with friends and travelling, although they feel their dancing and travelling days are now over.

Mr. Dakers still enjoys reading novels such as mysteries and The name itself was a combination of the names of our country watching television. Mrs. Dakers enjoyed knitting but finds less ‘Belize’ and ‘Mopan’, one of the rivers running in the area which time for this activity now empties out to the . The name Belmopan was chosen by the Cabinet from a list of names submitted in an open competition. The suggestion came from Police Inspector, Hubert Mr. and Mrs. Dakers advice for the youths is for them to live by Johnson and Registrar of Cooperatives, Mr. Charles Woods. the words of God and do what is right. They both believe that the Work commenced in 1967 and three year later in 1970 the first problems that young people are facing now have to do with drugs phase of the new capital was completed. and that parents need to take proper responsibility for their children.

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r. Edred and Mrs. Alma Dakers have

M been married for forty eight years and are the proud parents of two children. They From its inception Belmopan was governed by a corporation are the original residents of answering to the government called RECONDEV Belmopan, having migrated from Belize (Reconstruction and Development Corporation). In 1999 the City in 1970. residents of Belmopan voted in a referendum to switch to direct election of a city council. In 2000, Belmopan was incorporated as a city and held its first City Council election. Mrs. Dakers worked as the private Anthony Chanona of the People's United Party was elected secretary to the Governor General at the first Mayor of Belmopan. both in Belize City and then in Belmopan, when the post was relocated. Mrs. Dakers retired from the Today what was once Belmopan is now Belmopan City Government Service in 1984. boasting a population of 18,100.

Mr. Dakers worked in different Government Ministries such as Ministry of Works, as the Chief Finance Officer, and the Ministry of Energy. He retired from the Government Service in 1981 and then opened the first stationary store in Belmopan. Mr. Dakers said he was inspired to open the stationary store because the government departments were new in town and there was no other stationary store in Belmopan and the departments had to purchase supplies from Belize City. Daker’s Stationary and Book Store was open on the 9th day of March, 1981. Mr. and Mrs. Dakers worked together in the store up until recently when they passed it on to their daughter who is now managing the store.

Mr. and Mrs. Dakers recall Belmopan in the earlier days as being very rainy and muddy. The surroundings were very bushy and at night it was very quiet. However, they have no regrets about moving to Belmopan, despite certain hardships in the early days of development.

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r. Justo Castillo was born on the 11 rs. Myrtle Gill was born on the 4th day M day of April, 1920, in Belize City. M of December 1934. Mrs. Gill was He attended and later graduated from originally from but Holy Redeemer Primary School and migrated to Belmopan in June of 1969 St. John’s College in Belize City. He with her husband. migrated to Belmopan in 1970 when the government offices were relocated. Mr. and Mrs. Gill both moved to His work with the government began at Belmopan due to their jobs. Mr. Gill the age of 18, during the course of his worked with Social Investment and Mrs. engagement he work across the Public Gill worked as a secretary with the Service and later served as Permanent consultant company Norman and Dawbarn Secretary in various Ministries. (Architects and Town Planners), who constructed the first buildings in Belmopan. Mr. Castillo later worked at the Development Finance She worked for them for four years before Corporation as a financial adviser for ten years before his moving to work at the Development Finance Cooperation. She retirement at the age of 68. retired from there in 1984.

Mr. Castillo is an active member of the Belmopan Mrs. Gill was one of the first residents to live on Cardinal Street Community. He serves as a Lay Minister of the Our Lady of where she still resides. She recalls Belmopan in the earlier days Guadalupe Catholic Church, is one of the founding members of as being a very rainy and muddy place and surrounded by bushes. the Belmopan Lions Club and is still active in the fundraising Today she is pleased to see the development of Belmopan as a events. He is a member of HelpAge Belmopan, where he holds City with a growing population and many businesses. the position of treasure. Mr. Justo is also a member of the Executive Board of the National Council on Ageing and is a member of the VOICE organization. Mrs. Gill is the mother of four children and in her spare time she enjoy playing board games with her family and taking care of her grandchildren. In her earlier years she enjoyed sewing and Mr. Castillo is the proud father of seven children who, because knitting. of proper family values, are all successful people. They hold positions ranging from bankers, accountant, businesswoman, Mrs. Gill is a member of HelpAge Belmopan, the Lions Club and teacher to manager. Mr. Castillo, in his spare time, enjoys Belmopan Cancer Society. reading and watching old movies. He believe reading keeps his Her advice to the youths is for them to stay in school and study brain functioning. hard, to obey their parents and most of all to respect themselves.

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Mr. Castillo’s advice to the youth is for them to live trying to rs. Justa Adela Arzu was born on the please God and obey the Ten Commandments. He implores the M 28th Day of May, 1927. She was young people to live morally healthy lives and to abstain from sex originally from Gorda Town but until marriage. Mr. Castillo also advises the young people to live migrated to Belmopan along with her within their means, save as much as they can financially, stay husband, who worked with Mr. Mena, away from drugs and always believe in God. in 1970. Mrs. Arzu and her husband were among the first few people living in Belmopan. Mr. Justo Castillo is an honest, humble and God fearing man She recalls Belmopan as being a place who will continue to be active and serve the community of that rained a whole lot and due to lack Belmopan. of infrastructure, it caused the surrounding area to be muddy at times. Mrs. Arzu went on to say that Belmopan was a very quiet place and was surrounded by bushes. Mrs. Arzu explained that she has seen Belmopan grow in many ways, in term of the vast increase of buildings, businesses and the growth of the Belmopan population.

Mrs. Arzu have been a widow since 1985 and is the mother of one son. She has been cooking for the Police Department since 1994, and is well known in her community for the pastries which she sells. In earlier years Mrs. Arzu was a member of Belmopan Women's group whereby they gave support to other women in the community. Presently she is a Lay Minister in her church and a member of HelpAge Belmopan.

Mrs. Arzu advises the youths of today, especially the females, to be independent. She encourage young people to go to church, obey their parents, respect themselves and older persons. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, attending to her flowers and visiting friends in her neighborhood.

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rs. Gwendoline Zetina was born on r. Orlando Omar Orio was born on M the 10th day of October, 1935, in M the 5th Day of October, 1930, in Banana Bank, , but grew . Mr. Orio attended La up in Belize City. Mrs. Zetina moved Emaculada Primary School in Orange all over the country with her husband Walk and later went on to St. Johns who worked in the agriculture sector. College in Belize City. She migrated with her family to Belmopan in 1981 and has been living After high school Mr. Orio went into there ever since. the classroom to teach for one year and later went on to work with the Humane Society for two years. Mr. Mrs. Zetina is very active in her Orio then went on to work in the community and her church. She has been a lay Agriculture sector where he moved around minister at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for over 15 years and worked in all the different . and continues to sing in the choir. Ms. Gwen, as she is affectionately known, is also a member of many service organizations in Belmopan. She is an auxiliary member of the Mr. Orio retired from the Government service in 1976, but Lions Club, a member of HelpAge Belmopan and Belmopan continued to work in the agriculture private sector, including the Cancer Society. Her contribution to these organizations is Livestock Control Board. generally through the various fundraising committees, where she Although Mr. Orio is officially retired from working in the volunteers to cook, serve and decorate for functions that seek to agriculture field, he still works with farmers giving them advice raise funds to provide service to others in the community. and tips about farming and rearing animals. In his spare time, Mr. Orio still does volunteer work with farmers, as he loves agriculture work so much that it is difficult for him not to help the In her early years, Ms. Gwen enjoyed sewing, which she did farmers. for fifty years for her family and others. She would also prepare wreaths for funerals but now she feels her eyes would not permit her to do such intricate activities. In 1991 Mr. Orio and his wife decided to call Belmopan their As a member of the Belmopan beautification project, Ms. Gwen home. He is the father of three children. was among the many who helped beautify Belmopan by planting Mr. Orio’s advice to the youths is for them to help build Belize by flowers around the city. Now in her spare time she still enjoys going into the agriculture sector. He encourages them to farm the gardening and preparing flower arrangements land and provide for themselves. Mr. Orio also advises the youths to respect themselves as well as older persons.

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s. Juanita Ireland was born in M Corozal on the 27 Day of It was natural that from her enjoyment of flowers, both growing December 1926, She attended the and arranging, she has served on the committee responsible for Methodist Primary School and from organizing the flower shows and flower arrangements for the there she took her teacher’s exam and National Agricultural and Trade Show went into the classroom for two years, but found that profession was not for Ms Gwen is a caregiver and has taken care of sixteen children, her. eight of her own and eight of family members and neighbours. Ms. Gwen’s advice to the youths of today is for them to live an honest life, respect themselves and others and most of all believe Ms. Ireland migrated to Belmopan in 1974 in God. working in the health sector as a Rural Health Nurse and Midwife, where she served the community until 1990. Ms. Ireland is the mother of four children, two boys and two girls.

Ms. Juanita is an active member in her church, where she enjoys assisting in her church fundraisers. She is also a member of HelpAge Belmopan , Red Cross and VOICE.

Ms. Ireland’s advise to the youths is to respect older persons and themselves, and to stay away from drugs. She also would like for them to follow the ten commandment and to read the bible but most of all she advices them to stay in school.

Ms. Ireland enjoys sewing, singing, attending to her garden and animals.

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rs. Patricia Beth Robinson was ady Leonie Elfreda Cain was born in M born on the 1st Day of October L Belize City on the 28th Day of July 1929 in the United Kingdom, she 1931. She attended Wesley Methodist migrated to Belize, along with her Primary School and then went on to husband when he returned to Belize St. Hilda’s College. She met and City in 1956. Mrs. Robinson and married the love of her life, Sir. Edney her family migrated to Belmopan in Cain and had fifty-six wonderful years 1978 and have been living here ever of marriage up to the time of his death. since.

Lady Cain and her husband migrated to Mrs. Robinson has been an active Belmopan permanently in 1991 after serving member in numerous organizations. She served as the the as Ambassadors Commissioner of the Belize Girl Guide Association from 1977 to in Washington and London 1981. She also served as an executive member of the Belize Red Cross both in Belize City and Belmopan. As one of the original members of the YWCA, Lady Cain was one of the many people who helped built the YWCA building. Mrs. Robinson served as a member of the hospital auxiliary and When living in Belize City Lady Cain was very active in her also volunteered as a Librarian at St. Catharine Academy for four church, where she worked with the women and youths. She years. At present Mrs. Robinson is a member of Belmopan continues to be active in the Methodist Church here in Belmopan. VOICE, member of a bible study group, and a committee member Lady Cain was also a member of the Belize Red Cross and is for the National Council on Ageing. presently a member of VOICE, Belmopan.

Mrs. Robinson’s advice to the youths is for them to put God first Lady Cain enjoys cooking and taught cooking part time at the and to live the way God wanted us to live. Belize Technical College. Lady Cain enjoys craft, travelling and working in her flowers garden and says she feels at peace whenever she is caring for her flowers. In addition to all her activeness in the community, Mrs. Patricia Beth Robinson attends to her beautiful flower garden and her dogs. Lady Cain’s advice for the youths is for them to get involve in some form of skill, especially the girls, so they can work to have a better life.

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